<p>river,
i litereally had to re-register just to post this. have been out of the selection process for a year after placing two sons over four years. 07 dad gave a great review. my son, who is finishing his freshman year, will be one of the kiddos jumping up and down yelling “GO HERE!!” your DD sounds like a great fit. i can’t begin to tell you how much son loves this school! the NON snob factor is higher than most of the ultra selectives, great mix of great kiddos. son began his frehsman year with one of the orientation trips followed by a great geology class then ended the block with a FOOT trip. IMeaning, in his first 6 weeks on campus he spent 6 out of the classroom. i think he was camping below aspen, geology in new mexico, arizona and near Telluride - just his kida thing. so the sitting under a tree or waterfall or beside a mountain lake is very much part of the education here. son has joined several clubs, plays a sport and is having the time of his life! he has already told me he really does not look forward to coming home next week and cant wait to get back. </p>
<p>as for hotels, i too stay at the econolodge (confirming that i am NOT one of the 70% of families paying full tuition). the Econologe could be cleaner, but it is close, convenient and cheap!! i save my $$ for walks down tejon street and some of the nice downtown restaurants. </p>
<p>make sure to take the short drive out to Maniotou Springs and Old Colorado City to get that hip boho factor vibe. i also always take a short hike around Garden of the Gods. </p>
<p>my son wanted a bike within days of arrival, and since town is so close he is pretty independent in terms of getting off campus for sundries, banking, off-campus lunches, etc. </p>
<p>i can tell you that this is not a school for everyone, but if it is a fit for your daughter, she will never look back. son got into several more prestigious schools but has NEVER regreted this decision. there is a reason they have a 96% retention rate. </p>
<p>CC rocks! hope she loves it as much as my family does.</p>